Users can change their usernames on Instagram. Instagram keeps track of username changes, and you can see some details about an account’s username history. This can help confirm a user’s account authenticity.
Is It Possible to Check Someone’s Username History on Instagram?
Until recently, Instagram made it possible to see exactly what an account’s full username history looked like, including dates of any changes to the username. However, the platform has since scaled back this functionality. You now only know how many times a username has changed, but not what the account’s old usernames were.
Unfortunately, there’s no unofficial way to get someone’s old Instagram username because Instagram is getting more private nowadays.
How to view someone’s Instagram username change history
If the account has the necessary transparency features enabled, it becomes relatively easy to see how much an Instagram account has changed its username. Here’s how you can do it:
- Open Instagram app.
- Open the Instagram profile of the account you want to check the username history.
- Tap the three-dot menu in the top-right corner of the profile.
- Select About This Account (if the option is available).
- Tap on the Former Usernames option.
- Instagram will show the total number of times the account has changed the username.
Limitations of This Feature
While the feature is helpful, there are several limitations to keep in mind:
- Not every account has the About This Account option.
- It will show the only change of usernames Instagram shows you the username change number, not the usernames themselves or when they were used.
- Old username changes may not be displayed, and the Former Usernames option may not appear if an account hasn’t changed its username in years.
Why Username Change History Matters
Frequent username changes can be a warning that you might have a fake or suspicious account. This tactic helps scammers or bots avoid being detected or confuse users. Checking the username change history can help you:
- Check the credibility of an account.
- Find patterns related to fraudulent behavior.
- Make informed decisions when engaging with new accounts.
While usernames can be changed on Instagram, the feature for viewing username change history does not appear. This is a great trick for assessing an account’s reliability. You can use the number of username changes one can access from a username’s About This Account section to assess its authenticity.